Is Disney Vacation Club worth it?

Ever heard of timeshares.

These programs give customers the opportunity to buy fractional ownership of properties, which gives them a guaranteed vacation spot each year. Disney’s Vacation Club allows owners to purchase points. These points can be used in many ways including staying at Disney resorts.

Is the Disney Vacation Club worth it or not? Let’s look at the benefits, costs and other options that it provides.

Timeshares have been around for a while. You pay a fixed amount and get fractional ownership. You get access to the property at certain times throughout the year in return. You may have access to the property during the same week every year, or it may rotate.

Disney’s Vacation Club operates in a slightly different way. You do purchase ownership at a dedicated property. This property becomes your home. You will need to redeem points to stay. These points are earned at a fixed rate each year.

These points can be used at many other places than your home resort. There are many redemption options available at Disney, including the possibility to redeem your points for cruises or other resorts. Ownership is a way to save money on your nightly stays at Disney properties.

Disney Vacation Club members can save up to 50% compared to paying rack rate for rooms at Disney resorts. Disney’s website states that these savings may not be realized immediately, especially as you have to pay such a large upfront deposit.

These savings don’t come in flat 50%. According to Disney’s website, the total savings you make over the years could reach 50%.

It’s not cheap to become a Disney timeshare rental owner. Disney Vacation Points are now available for purchase at $207 per piece as of 2022. You will need to buy at least 150 points to start your membership. This means that your initial out-of pocket cost is $31,050.

Disney charges closing costs. However, the amount will vary depending upon the resort you choose. In 2022, closing costs for Disney Vacation Club members who purchased 150 Vacation Points at Grand Floridian Resort were $828.30.

A $250 document preparation fee is another charge that can be added to your closing bill.

A Disney Vacation Club membership comes with ongoing fees. The cost of your monthly dues will depend on where you live, but in 2022 the Villas at Grand Floridian will charge $87.63. These fees pay for the maintenance of the resort. They will be continued as owners. If you prefer, the monthly fees can be paid once a year.

The answer to the question “How much does a Disney timeshare cost?” will depend on which resort you choose. However, you can assume it will be at least $32,985 after factoring in closing costs, points, and monthly fees.

Being a Disney Vacation Club member has many benefits. These benefits include:

• Vacation Club villas have larger rooms. They are designed for those who prefer to stay longer. You can expect to have more amenities than standard hotel rooms such as kitchens or laundry facilities.

• Guaranteed vacations. Every year you will receive points that can redeem for stays. These points expire so don’t forget to use them. This is basically stacking the deck so that you can go on vacations.

• Additional benefits. Disney Vacation Club members receive special offers. These include exclusive discounts and members-only events.

Are you interested in joining the Disney Vacation Club? Before you make that purchase, here are some things to think about.

What are your vacation plans? Let’s assume you have the minimum 150 points option with Disney, and that you are looking to stay in the Animal Kingdom Villas.

Your vacation point total will depend on the time of year, where you are traveling and what type of accommodation you choose.

Let’s suppose you want to stay in a villa with one bedroom and a standard view for a week in September. You can see the 2023 redemption chart to quickly determine that you will need 150 points per week. This means that your first points purchase will get you a one-week resort stay.

Prices can go up if you want a more spacious room or to be able to stay during peak times. This villa would cost you 280 Vacation points per week during Christmas.

A Disney Vacation Club membership is a great way to enjoy a variety of vacations, even if you aren’t a big traveler. Your membership will not get you far if you travel during peak times.

This point is in line with the one before. Are you a Disney enthusiast? Do you have the commitment to return to Disney properties every year? Are you able to take advantage of the additional member benefits?

Investing in a membership may be the right thing for you.

The cost of joining the Disney Vacation Club can be significant, with monthly fees. It may not be worthwhile depending on your age, particularly if you are older than the traditional retirement age. It may be more sensible if you are younger as you will have more time to redeem the funds and break even.

Do you have the time and money to make ends meet on your $32,985 purchase? Remember to include monthly dues, closing costs, and interest if you finance your membership.

You don’t have to be a Disney Vacation Club member to enjoy a Disney resort stay. There are many other options.

Members of Disney Vacation Club who are unable to redeem their points may rent them out. You can rent your points out to anyone you like. There are many websites that offer this service. Similar savings will be available, but the offerings may not be as extensive.

Timeshares are not something we recommend. They can be costly and inherently restrictive. Disney Vacation Club’s high price tag is not unusual, but some Disney fans may find it worth the investment.

Featured photo courtesy Walt Disney World Resort.

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